Irish Ras plans upset

After last week's announcement of a strong Irish team for the FBD Milk Ras, preparations of some of the five riders have taken a knock in recent days.

Eight riders were due to take part in the Tour of Algeria, starting next Tuesday, including Tommy Evans, Morgan Fox and Mark Scanlon. However, the cancellation of this 12-day event due to lack of sponsorship eliminates the chance to amass some valuable world-ranking points and to build form before the May 20th Ras start.

Also disappointed will be Michael McNena, Brian Kenneally, Tim Barry, Paddy Moriarty and Stephen O'Sullivan, whose Ras preparations will similarly be compromised by the news.

However, senior road squad manager Declan Byrne said the three affected Irish team riders will be able to participate in a programme of smaller stage races. An Irish team will also be named shortly for the Lincoln Grand Prix on May 13th, as will an under-23 team for next weekend's Tour of Ulster.

The remaining two riders of the Irish quintet are unaffected by the Algerian collapse, racing as planned with their teams. Aidan Duff, of the 23 La Creuse team, is currently participating in the tough Ruban Granitier Breton in France, placing 73rd and 71st in the first two stages.

David McCann will ride a programme of Swiss races with his professional CCC Mat team, including the Tour de Berne this Sunday. McCann said he was "about 50th" in the difficult 1.2 ranked Giro dell'Appennino yesterday, but is happy his form is improving.

Meanwhile, national women's road manager Pauline McKay said last Saturday's cycling workshop in Dunboyne, Co Meath, was very successful. Women's cycling has been sorely neglected in recent years, but McKay's plans to start a summer racing league, to bring teams abroad and generally to increase female participation, are important steps towards improving the situation.

Finally, Orwell Wheelers' programme of races for this Sunday has undergone some changes, with the sign-on now at the Fingallians GAA club in Swords. Competitors will leave the village at 11 a.m. for a neutralised ride-out to the 12-mile circuit at Ballyboughil, where seniors will complete six laps and juniors four laps.